APPLICANT FAQs

MAKING MOVING A BREEZE

Moving can be stressful, whether it’s across town or across country. At Acorn + Oak Triad we’re dedicated to making renting a house through us the simplest part of your move. We’re easy to work with, easy to get in touch with and most importantly, excited to have you as a new tenant.

We make relocating a breeze by:


  • Helping newcomers navigate the Triad. Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point are all unique places - we’ll assist you in finding the city that will best meet your needs. 
  • Narrowing your search. Sometimes too much choice can be bad thing - tell us your requirements in a property + neighborhood and we’ll help refine your search.
  • Making the paperwork less papery. All applications and leases can be filled out and signed electronically and application fees can be paid by credit or debit card.
  • We’re here to help. Quickly and courteously responding to all communication + questions.


We’re also committed to making your tenancy with us as comfortable as possible. As an Acorn + Oak Triad tenant, you’ll receive access to:


  • Locally inspired Welcome Boxes to make settling into your new place that much easier
  • 24 hour phone line for property related emergencies
  • Convenient account access through your Tenant Portal for high priority and non-emergency maintenance requests
  • Simple online rent payment options via ePayments
  • Monthly gift card giveaways to support both tenant timeliness and our local Triad businesses


APPLICANT FAQs
We're seriously excited to have you as a tenant.  Our most common questions, answered below.
  • How do I apply for a property?

    Applying for an Acorn + Oak Triad property is easy as pie!


    1. Go to our Available Properties tab and find the property you wish to apply for


    2. Once you have found the property, click the green “Apply Now” button

    • Read through the instructions carefully and complete the application
    • Don’t forget to upload your photo ID, pay stubs/proof of income and employment, and any other documents you’d like to share with us
    • Pay the $60 application fee

    3. Make sure to choose “I am applying as a tenant”

  • How does my co-signer apply?

    Your cosigner will apply the same way you did. Please have your cosigner follow the instructions above but choose “I am applying as a co-signer/guarantor for another applicant”.

  • How much is your application fee?

    Our application fee is $60 per applicant. Anyone over the age of 18 years old that will be living in the property full-time will need to complete an application and pay an application fee.

  • My partner and I are married and share the same credit score. Do we both need to apply?

    Yes, we’ll need an application from anyone over the age of 18 years old that will be living in the property full-time. Even if you and your partner share a credit score, we still need to verify each individual’s criminal and eviction history.

  • If I am not chosen to lease a property, will I get my application fee back?

    If there are multiple applications on a property and you are not selected to rent it, your application fee will be refunded if you were eliminated before background and credit checks were conducted. However, if you apply for a home and we are not able to offer you a lease because you don’t qualify, unfortunately, we will not be able to refund your application fee. If you apply for a property, are approved but you change your mind and decide not to sign a lease, we also will not be able to refund your application fee. Your application fee can only be refunded up to 30 days after your fee was paid.

  • How does the application process work? Is it first come, first served or do you collect multiple applications on a property?

    We try to be as fair and as upfront as possible when prospective tenants apply for an A+O Triad home. Many of the homes we post for rent have dozens of inquiries come in on them and the frenzy that ensues can cause an already anxious applicant both stress and disappointment. We like to make sure applicants understand how this process will work to avoid any unnecessary confusion.


    • When an application is submitted on a home in which we have low interest, the property manager may keep the application collection period open for another 24-48 hours. If no other applications are received in this time period, we will run the initial submitted application. If another application is submitted within those 24-48 hours, all applications will be considered. All applicants should receive an update on their application in no more than 72 hours of the cut off time. If they have not been selected, we will refund their application fee.
    • When an application is submitted on a home in which we have high interest, we will give all other interested parties until X time on X date to submit their application. Once we reach X time on X date, no additional applications will be accepted and we will only consider the applications received by the announced cut off time. All applicants should receive an update on their application in no more than 72 hours of the cut off time. If they have not been selected, we will refund their application fee.
    • Once an application is run, there is a freeze period on the property. No other applications will be run or considered during this period. We will use this freeze period to review your background check, call references, and ask for additional documents or information. If your application is approved, we will offer you a lease and you will have 24-48 hours to review it, ask any questions, and sign it. If we do not receive your signed lease within this 24-48 hour period, we reserve the right to void the lease and move on to the next applicant.
  • I have a pet. What are your pet deposits and fees?

    We’re animal lovers here at Acorn + Oak Triad and understand our four-legged friends are family. That’s why for 99% of A+O Triad properties you’ll only need to pay a refundable pet deposit instead of a one time or monthly pet fee. Our pet deposits for dogs range per dog based on the dog’s age, breed, and weight. Our pet deposits for cats range based on the cat’s age. Deposits for caged animals or fish will vary. When your lease ends, any damage will be deducted from your deposit and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded to you!

  • My credit is not great. Will you still work with me?

    We get that life happens and sometimes credit scores take a beating. While we like to see a 650+ credit score, we may be able to work with you if your score is lower but most likely we will need a higher security deposit (as much as 2 x rent) and/or a cosigner with a 650+ credit score. If your credit is low due to unpaid medical bills, student loans, or because of a divorce, we’re more likely able to work with you. If your credit is low due to collections from former landlords or if you have been evicted in the past 7 years, unfortunately, we may not be able to work with you.

  • I won’t have a chance to make it to North Carolina to view properties before my move in date. Do you rent properties sight unseen?

    While we understand it can be difficult to make time to visit before your move date, we really recommend you try to! While some of our properties can be rented sight unseen, some cannot. Usually newer homes or new construction properties can be rented sight unseen; older homes with quirks most likely cannot be. If a property has high interest and multiple applications, generally more weight is placed on an applicant that has seen the property in person than an applicant that has not. If at all possible, try and make a trip to NC before your move or have a friend, family member or colleague take a look on your behalf. If you sign a lease on a property sight unseen, you are obligated to fulfill the terms of the lease, even if you arrive and the home is not what you expected.

  • I have lost out on a lot of rental homes and am getting frustrated. Do you have any tips for me on how to increase my odds of securing a home before I pull all my hair out?

    Remove your hands from your head, take a deep breath, and follow these tips:

    • Be flexible with your showing times. If we list a home on Monday and you can’t come and see it until Friday, you may lose out on it. If the property manager asks if you can see it at 12 pm on Tuesday, try to move your schedule around to be there.
    • Be flexible with your move in date and lease end date. For properties that have a lot of interest, do your best to make yourself the best applicant. Even if you aren’t moving here until July 25th, be willing to start your lease on July 1st to put yourself ahead of the pack.
    • Understand that you are 1 of hundreds of renters looking for housing and that we’re in a competitive market. You may lose out on a house or two but try not to get discouraged–we’ll do our best to help find you the home that was meant for you.

From our initial contact with Jacqueline to now, we have been blown away by the wonderful experience with Acorn + Oak Triad! The communication has been fantastic, but we also truly appreciate the care and transparency throughout our rental process thus far. Jacqueline has been so kind and thoughtful. I have lived in many places around the US and this has truly been one of the absolute best experiences. Thank you so much!


KAYLYNN BECKHAM, TENANT

Finding a place to rent was extremely easy with this business. They were incredibly responsive and made the process much less stressful than I was preparing for. Extra big thank you to Jordan for his service and getting me into a home that I love as quickly as possible. Would absolutely recommend Acorn and Oak to anyone in the area looking to rent.


ANDREW WEBER, TENANT

I've just rented a townhouse through Acorn + Oak. My broker was Jacqueline Ng and she was very easy to get a hold of by phone, text, or email. Before my move in date she made sure the unit was professionally cleaned and ready for move in. On my move in day she met me at 9am to give me the key. I even received a box of move-in essentials that are often forgotten when moving to a new place.


NATHAN McELWAIN, TENANT

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